The Importance of Practicing Storm Drills with Your Family

9/11/2024 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO, we are committed to helping you prepare for and recover from the unexpected.

When severe weather strikes, it’s essential to be prepared. One of the most effective ways to ensure your family’s safety during a storm is by practicing storm drills. At SERVPRO®, we understand the critical role preparation plays in protecting your home and loved ones. In this blog post, we'll discuss the importance of storm drills and provide tips on how to implement them effectively.

Why Storm Drills Matter

Storm drills are vital for several reasons. First and foremost, they help ensure that everyone in your household knows exactly what to do in the event of severe weather. This knowledge can significantly reduce panic and confusion when a real storm occurs. Additionally, regular drills allow you to identify any weaknesses in your emergency plan and make necessary adjustments.

Practicing storm drills also reinforces the importance of emergency preparedness. When everyone in your family is familiar with the procedures, they are more likely to respond quickly and appropriately during an actual emergency. This can be particularly important for families with young children, who may be more prone to anxiety during storms.

Creating an Effective Storm Drill Plan

To create an effective storm drill plan, start by identifying the types of severe weather most common in your area. Whether it’s hurricanes, tornadoes, or severe thunderstorms, understanding the specific threats you face will help you tailor your plan accordingly.

Next, designate a safe room in your home where your family can take shelter during a storm. This should be an interior room on the lowest level of your home, away from windows and exterior walls. Stock this room with essential supplies such as flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and non-perishable food items.

Once your safe room is established, create a clear and simple emergency plan. This should include step-by-step instructions for what each family member should do when a storm warning is issued. Make sure to practice this plan regularly, at least twice a year, to ensure everyone knows their role.

Incorporating Technology into Your Plan

Technology can be a valuable tool in storm preparedness. Consider signing up for weather alerts from reliable sources such as the National Weather Service. These alerts can provide you with real-time updates on severe weather conditions, giving you the information you need to take action quickly.

In addition, utilize apps that can help you track storms and stay informed about potential threats. There are many free and paid options available that offer detailed weather forecasts and storm tracking capabilities.

Practicing storm drills with your family is a crucial aspect of emergency preparedness. By taking the time to create a comprehensive plan and regularly practicing it, you can help ensure the safety and well-being of your loved ones during severe weather events. At SERVPRO, we are committed to helping you prepare for and recover from the unexpected. Stay safe and be prepared!

Building an Essential & Budget-Friendly DIY Emergency Kit

5/15/2024 (Permalink)

In times of crisis, having a well-prepared emergency kit can make all the difference in ensuring the safety and comfort of you and your loved ones. While ready-made emergency kits are available for purchase, building your own DIY emergency kit on a budget is not only cost-effective but also allows you to customize it according to your specific needs. Let's explore how you can assemble a comprehensive emergency kit without breaking the bank.

1. Start with the Basics

Begin by gathering essential items that will help you address the most common emergency scenarios. This includes non-perishable food items, such as canned goods and granola bars, as well as bottled water to sustain you for at least three days. Don't forget to include a manual can opener and eating utensils.

2. Focus on Shelter and Warmth

In the event of a power outage or evacuation, having adequate shelter and warmth is crucial. Include items such as blankets, sleeping bags, and extra clothing in your emergency kit to keep you warm and comfortable. Additionally, consider adding a tarp or tent for temporary shelter if needed.

3. Prioritize Safety and First Aid

Safety should always be a top priority in any emergency situation. Stock your DIY emergency kit with a basic first aid kit containing bandages, gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, and over-the-counter medications for pain relief and common ailments. Don't forget to include a flashlight with extra batteries, a whistle for signaling for help, and a multi-tool for various tasks.

4. Stay Connected

Maintaining communication during emergencies is essential for staying informed and requesting assistance if needed. Include a battery-powered or hand-crank radio in your emergency kit to receive updates from local authorities. Additionally, consider adding a portable phone charger or solar-powered charger to keep your devices powered up.

5. Consider Special Needs

If you or your family members have specific medical or dietary needs, be sure to accommodate them in your emergency kit. This may include prescription medications, medical supplies, and special dietary items. Keep a list of important contacts, including doctors and emergency services, readily accessible.

6. Don't Forget Personal Hygiene:

Maintaining personal hygiene is important even during emergencies. Pack items such as hand sanitizer, wet wipes, toilet paper, and feminine hygiene products in your emergency kit. You may also want to include a basic hygiene kit with toothbrushes, toothpaste, and soap.

7. Store Your Kit Wisely

Once you've assembled your DIY emergency kit, store it in a waterproof and durable container that is easy to carry and access. Consider keeping one kit at home and another in your vehicle for added preparedness. Be sure to periodically check and update your emergency kit to ensure that all items are in good condition and up-to-date.

Building a DIY emergency kit on a budget is a proactive step towards preparedness and peace of mind. By including essential items for food, shelter, safety, communication, and personal hygiene, you can be better equipped to handle unexpected emergencies with confidence. Remember, being prepared is key to staying safe and resilient in the face of adversity.

A 9-Step Guide to Creating a Home Inventory for Storm Insurance Claims

1/3/2024 (Permalink)

This home inventory guide helps you make the process of storm insurance claims easier and more efficient.

Storms can strike without a moment’s notice, leaving behind damaged property, shattered belongings, and a sense of loss. A complete home inventory can be a game-changer when it comes to making insurance claims. Simplifying this seemingly daunting task, we offer a comprehensive 9-step guide to preparing a home inventory for storm insurance claims.

1. Don’t Wait for the Storm

Begin by committing to the process. Completing a home inventory may not be the most exciting task, but having one when a storm hits can significantly lessen the headache of insurance claims.

2. Room by Room Approach

Break the task down room by room. Cataloging your possessions will become a lot more manageable, and most importantly, ensuring nothing gets overlooked.

3. Describe Each Item

For each item, jot down a description, its purchase date, value, and location in your home. Include model/serial numbers for electronics and appliances.

4. Back it up with Proof

Wherever possible, include supporting documents like sales receipts, purchase contracts, and appraisals with your inventory.

5. Snap Away

Take photographs of your possessions. Close-ups of unique or valuable objects help demonstrate their quality and condition.

6. Video Footage

An easy and efficient way to document your belongings is to take a walking tour of your house while videoing and describing the contents.

7: Update

It's crucial to keep your home inventory updated. Add new acquisitions straight away and remove items that you no longer own.

8. Secure Your Inventory

Store a physical copy of your inventory outside of your home and a digital copy in a secure cloud storage. This ensures your inventory will not be lost even if your property is severely damaged.

9. Share With Your Insurance Agent

Share your home inventory with your insurance agent. This not only accelerates the claim process but also helps ensure you have adequate coverage for your possessions.

At SERVPRO of Shrewsbury/Westborough, your disaster recovery journey is our mission, but we believe in empowering homeowners to be prepared even before disaster strikes. This home inventory guide helps you be a step ahead in the face of adversity and makes the process of storm insurance claims easier and more efficient. For professional cleanup and restoration after a storm, remember that our SERVPRO® team is just a phone call away. We restore not just homes, but peace of mind.

National Lightning Safety Awareness Week this June 19-25th

5/31/2022 (Permalink)

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 508-757-7885

Celebrate National Lightning Safety Awareness Week this June 19-25th. It started back in 2001 to call attention to lightning being such an underrated killer. Since then, U.S. lightning fatalities have dropped from about 55 per year to less than 30. This reduction is largely due to greater awareness and people seeking proper safety when thunderstorms threaten. During National Lightning Safety Awareness Week this year, it is encouraged that you learn more about it and how to stay safe!

One solution to keep your home safe from lightning are lightning rods. Lightning rods (and the accompanying protection system) are designed to protect a house or building from a direct lightning strike and, in particular, a lightning-initiated fi re. It's important to note that lightning protection systems do not prevent lightning from striking a structure, but rather intercepts a lightning strike, providing a conductive path for the harmful electrical discharge to follow and disperse the energy safely into the ground. These components must be properly connected (bonded) to minimize the chances for any sparks or side flashes to occur. While lightning rods protect a structure from a direct lightning strike, a complete protection system is needed to help prevent harmful electrical surges and possible fi res caused by lightning entering a structure via wires and pipes. Lightning protection may also be needed for gas piping.

There are three main ways lightning can enter a structure: a direct strike, through wires or pipes that extend outside the structure or through the ground. Once in a structure, lightning can travel the electrical, phone, plumbing, and radio/television reception systems. Lightning can also travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring. Learn more about how you can protect your home or property today.

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WEEK May 1-7, 2022

4/29/2022 (Permalink)

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WEEK May 1-7, 2022

National Hurricane Preparedness Week is a nationwide eff ort during the fi rst week in May to raise awareness about being prepared for a hurricane to strike. This year it will be observed May 1-7, 2022.

One way you can observe this week is create an emergency preparedness plan. Your plan should answer questions about safe shelter, best evacuation routes, effective communication methods, etc. You can tailor your plan to the specific needs of your household and have regular meetings to review the plan with your loved ones.

Next, focus on where you live. Your home might be sturdy, but will it be sturdy enough to handle strong hurricane winds? Research hurricane building code specifications and make sure your home meets them. Also check to see if your home insurance company covers flooding.

Now is a great time to gather emergency supplies. From radios to flashlights to solar-powered chargers, you need to ensure you have everything you and your family need to survive. You should also restock on non-perishable food, water, and medicine to last for at least 3 days.

Hurricane preparedness is more important than ever before. Hurricanes have been getting worse due to climate change. Contact your local SERVPRO franchise for more readiness tips, including SERVPRO's Emergency READY Profile® (ERP). Having an ERP in place for your commercial facility can help minimize business interruption in the event of a disaster.

If your residential or commercial property suffers from storm damage, call SERVPRO of Shrewsbury/ Westborough to help make it "Like it never even happened."- 508-393-7898

To learn more about SERVPRO of Shrewsbury/ Westborough’s Storm Damage Cleanup and Restoration Click Here.

5 Interesting Facts About Hurricanes

4/29/2022 (Permalink)

URRICANE PREPAREDNESS WEEK May 1-7, 2022

1. The term "hurricane" was derived from the Taino Native American word "hurucane," which means the "evil spirit wind."

2. The planet Jupiter has a hurricane that is bigger than the Earth itself and has been spinning for 300 years.

3. Every second, a hurricane releases the same amount of energy as ten atomic bombs.

4. At least 40% of the hurricanes that happen in the United States occur in Florida.

5. Hurricanes are only known as "hurricanes" in North America. They are called "typhoons" in Asia and "tropical cyclones" everywhere else in the world.

You Can be Ruined Or You Can be Ready With The Help of Technology

4/29/2022 (Permalink)

We'll help you be "Ready for whatever happens."

Technology can now be a vital tool in preparing for emergencies or disasters, as well as during or after to stay informed of the situation and to be in communication with others. From common technology you already use on a daily basis to taking a few extra steps to prepare, the following tips will help you be ready in the event of an emergency.

There are many places to store important information securely online. Services like Google Drive or Dropbox offer free ways to store different types of fi les, like medical records and identification documents.

Stay informed by following agencies such as FEMA, local news channels, and local government on Twitter for the most up-to-date information in a disaster situation. You can also alert first responders if a rescue is needed. The American Red Cross offers Safe & Well check-in sites to list yourself as safe or find family and friends in situations where communication is difficult to establish. Facebook also has a feature called Safety Check that becomes activated after natural disasters or a crisis. You will receive a notification from Facebook directly if you're located in the affected area at that time.

Make sure your contact information is updated in your phone and e-mail for communicating with family, friends, business contacts and others whom you may need to get in contact with before, during, or after a disaster. Keep a portable charger in your car and home in case of an emergency. You may need to recharge this from time to time, but you can also buy solar-powered chargers as well. Put help in the palm of your hand by adding your local SERVPRO franchise to your personal and work phones. Your local franchise professionals are "Ready for whatever happens."

What You Need to Know: Wireless Emergency Alerts

4/29/2022 (Permalink)

Call a SERVPRO franchise professional. Working to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are free notifications delivered to your mobile device as part of a public safety system provided by authorized government-alerting authorities.

These alerts are designed to inform you of imminent threats to safety, such as extreme weather warnings, local emergencies requiring evacuation or immediate action, missing persons alerts in your area, or Presidential Alerts during a national event. A WEA can be sent to your phone when you may be in harm's way, without having to download an app or subscribe to a service. A WEA will look like a text message. It will typically show the type of alert including the time it was issued and from what agency + any action(s) you should take. For more information, visit ctia.org/wea.

Prepare Now for Spring Severe Weather

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (508) 393-7898

Local SERVPRO disaster recovery professional alerts Shrewsbury property owners that “billion-dollar storms” are becoming more frequent

Shrewsbury, MA (Grassroots Newswire) March 2022- According to the National Weather Service, March marks the start of the spring severe weather season: “…three months of danger that can imperil the unprepared.1”

Data published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reveals that severe weather events are becoming more frequent and more devastating2, said Donny McKendall, a disaster recovery specialist with SERVPRO of Shrewsbury/Westborough. NOAA reports that the period from 1980-2021 saw an annual average of 7.4-billion-dollar weather and climate events (adjusted to today’s costs). When they looked at only the five most recent years (2017-2021), the annual average grew to 17.2 events. Last year alone (2021) delivered 20 “billion-dollar” weather or climate disaster events.

“It’s not unusual to see severe weather in the spring,” says McKendall. “Whenever you have warm, moist air colliding with cool, dry air, you have the conditions for creating a thunderstorm, along with the possibility of lightning strikes, floods, hail, high winds, rip currents, and even wildfires and tornadoes. The problem is, you can’t prevent these severe weather events and you can’t predict very far in advance when and where they will hit. The only sensible approach is to take steps in advance to protect your family and property, especially as these disasters become more common.”

McKendall urges Shrewsbury area home and business owners to check out state and federal resources online for tips on planning and preparing for a severe weather emergency now, as the spring severe weather season arrives. One such resource is the National Center for Environmental Health of The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which offers suggestions for creating an emergency kit and preparing family members for severe weather emergencies at https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/springweather/index.html.

“Each year, SERVPRO professionals across the country respond to scenes of weather-related mayhem, helping families and business owners recover from flooding, fire, wind damage and more,” said McKendall “While we are standing by to help whenever we are needed, we hope that our neighbors in the Shrewsbury area will heed this warning from the CDC: ‘…prepare for storms, floods, and tornadoes as if you know in advance they are coming, because in the spring, they very likely will.’”

SERVPRO specializes in disaster cleaning, restoration, and construction services, helping to remediate damage, making it “Like it never even happened,” for both commercial and residential customers.

For more information on SERVPRO of  Shrewsbury/Westborough please call 508-393-7898

###

About SERVPRO

For more than 50 years, SERVPRO has been a trusted leader in fire and water cleanup and restoration services, construction, mold mitigation, and biohazard and pathogen remediation. SERVPRO’s professional services network of more than 1,900 individually owned and operated franchises spans the United States and Canada, responding to property damage emergencies large and small – from million-square-foot commercial facilities to individual homes. When disaster strikes, homeowners, business owners, and major insurance companies alike rely on SERVPRO to make it “Like it never even happened.”

1 https://toolkit.climate.gov/tool/national-weather-service-national-seasonal-safety-campaign

2 https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/billions/overview

Flooding Can Cause Severe Damage to Your Residential and Commercial Properties, Are You Prepared?

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Shrewsbury/ Westborough can help to make it "Like it never even happened."- 508-393-7898

Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States, according to Ready.gov. Failing to evacuate a flooded area or entering flood waters can often lead to serious injury or possibly even death.

Floods cause billions of dollars worth of residential and commercial property damage each year. Since floods can damage any property in almost any area, it is crucial to learn how floods form, the various types of floods there are, and how they can affect your property.

Flash floods are fast-moving waters that sweep everything in their path. They are caused by heavy rainfall or rapid snow thaw. Flash floods usually cover a relatively small area and occur with little to no notice, generally less than six hours. The rapid water torrents can move large objects like cars, rocks, and trees.

Coastal floods are caused by strong winds or storms that move towards a coast during high tide. When powerful waves breach the coast's dune the area is usually flooded. Coastal regions with fewer defenses and lower elevations are the most affected. The best time to repair a breach is during low tide.

River floods are characterized by gradual riverbank overflows caused by extensive rainfall over an extended period of time. The areas covered by river floods depend on the size of the river and the amount of precipitation.

Urban floods occur when the drainage system in a city or town fails to absorb the water from heavy rain. The lack of natural drainage in an urban area can also contribute to flooding. Water flows out into the street, making driving very dangerous. Although water levels can be just a few inches deep, urban floods can cause significant structural damage.

Pluvial floods form in flat areas where the terrain cannot absorb the rainwater, causing puddles and ponds to form. Pluvial flooding is similar to urban flooding, but mainly in rural areas. The agricultural activities and properties in areas where pluvial floods have occurred can also be seriously affected.

Flooding can cause severe damage to residential and commercial properties, but there are many ways to prepare and prevent it!

If your residential or commercial property suffers from flood damage, call SERVPRO of Shrewsbury/ Westborough to help make it "Like it never even happened."- 508-393-7898

To learn more about SERVPRO of Shrewsbury/ Westborough’s Storm Damage Cleanup and Restoration Click Here.

FLOOD TIPS: Preparation Gives You Peace Of Mind

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (508) 393-7898

Sometimes floods develop slowly, and forecasters can anticipate where a flood will happen days or weeks before it occurs. However, flash floods can occur within minutes and sometimes without any sign of rain at all. Being prepared can save your life and give you peace of mind.

If you have access to sandbags or other materials, use them to protect your home from flood waters if you have sufficient time to do so. (Filling sandbags can time more time than you think!)

Have a professional install check-valves in your plumbing to prevent flood waters from backing up into the drains of your home. Make sure the sump pump is working and consider having a backup. Make sure your electric circuit breakers, or fuses, are clearly marked for each area of your home. Be safe!

When Severe Weather Strikes Your Grafton, MA Property Make Sure to Practice These Generator Safety Tips.

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 508-393-7898

When faced with severe weather, storms and flooding you can always count on the professionals at SERVPRO to talk you through taking the proper action until the PROs arrive to help.

If you have a generator on hand for power outages during severe weather, follow the safety tips below provided by the American Red Cross.

• Never use a generator, grill, camp stove, or other gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawl space, or any partially enclosed area.

• To avoid electrocution, keep the generator dry and do not use it in wet conditions. Operate it on a dry surface under an open canopylike structure, such as under a tarp held up on poles. Do not touch the generator with wet hands.

• Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent carbon monoxide (CO) buildup in the home. Although CO can’t be seen or smelled, it can rapidly lead to full incapacitation and death. Even if you cannot smell exhaust fumes, you may still be exposed to CO. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air immediately.

• Install CO alarms in central locations on every level of your home or property and outside sleeping areas to provide early warnings.

Has your Spencer, MA  property been affected by storms and flooding?  Not to worry- we’ve got a PRO for that. SERVPRO Storm Damage Cleanup and Restoration

SERVPRO® of Shrewsbury/Westborough has experience restoring homes affected by storms and flooding. We can respond immediately with highly trained technicians who employ specialized equipment and techniques to restore your home or business back to pre-storm condition.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 508-393-7898

FEMA’s National Preparedness Month Spotlights the Importance of Understanding and Managing Risk

8/20/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Shrewsbury/Westborough disaster mitigation specialist urges area residents to create a disaster management and recovery plan before the unexpected happens

Shrewsbury, MA (Grassroots Newswire) August 18, 2021— September is National Preparedness Month, part of the ongoing “Ready”¹ initiative of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). According to FEMA’s “Are You Ready”² guide, the first step in effective disaster preparedness is to understand your specific risks—first by identifying the hazards that could possibly affect you and then by evaluating your actual vulnerability to those sources of danger.

“Once you understand your risks, you can effectively plan to mitigate them by decreasing your vulnerability and then manage their consequences quickly and effectively if the worst does happen,” says disaster mitigation specialist Donny McKendall of SERVPRO^® of Shrewsbury/Westborough. “Of course, individual home or business owners’ risks vary depending on their location, but regardless of where you live or work, FEMA’s guide has some basic steps that everyone can take to prepare for the unexpected.”

1. Create a family communication and shelter
2. Sign up for emergency alerts, including FEMA alerts³.
3. Build your savings if possible and keep a small emergency fund of cash on-hand at
4. Create an Emergency Financial First Aid Kit⁴: Gather and safeguard critical documents like deeds, medical information, insurance policies, and a list of your household belongings.
5. Create an emergency kit⁵ with basic tools and enough food and water to last 72 hours and keep the contents fresh and up to date.

In addition to the planning tools and checklists provided by FEMA, businesses like SERVPRO that specialize in disaster mitigation and restoration offer free tools that make disaster recovery easier. The free SERVPRO READY app⁶ allows home and business owners to store essential contact and property information electronically where it can be accessed in seconds with a mobile device. Local business owners who designate SERVPRO of Worcester as their disaster mitigation and restoration provider benefit from a no-cost assessment of their facility along with help completing a comprehensive Emergency READY Profile^® (ERP) to be stored in the READY app.

“The uncomfortable truth is that no amount of preparedness will prevent disasters from striking, but preparedness can help disaster victims survive and then recover,” says McKendall. “When disaster strikes, sometimes it’s difficult to even know where to start picking up the pieces. Having critical documents and details at your fingertips helps, but so does having access to professionals who know

how to help you return to normal, "Like it never even happened." The disaster remediation specialists at SERVPRO of Shrewsbury/Westborough know what to do when you don’t know which way to turn. We’re here  to help when you need us.”

For more information on SERVPRO^® and the SERVPRO Emergency READY Program, please visit https://ready.SERVPRO.com.

¹ 2021 Preparedness Calendar | Ready.gov

² https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2021-03/are-you-ready-guide.pdf

³ https://www.fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-app-text-messages

⁴ https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/ready_emergency-financial-first-aid-toolkit.pdf

⁵ https://www.ready.gov/kit

⁶ https://ready.SERVPRO.com/home/mobileapp

About SERVPRO

For more than 50 years, SERVPRO® has been a trusted leader in fire and water cleanup and restoration services, mold mitigation, and biohazard and pathogen remediation. SERVPRO’s professional services network of more than 1,900 individually owned and operated franchises spans the United States and Canada, responding to property damage emergencies large and small – from million-square-foot commercial facilities to individual homes. When disaster strikes, homeowners, business owners, and major insurance companies alike rely on SERVPRO to make it "Like it never even happened."

Thunder, Lightning & Severe Weather - Be Prepared Before, During & After The Storm.

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (508) 393-7898

Thunderstorms can be quite destructive, producing lightning, hail, high wind, flash floods or even tornadoes.

What do we know about thunderstorms? A thunderstorm is classified as a severe if it contains large (at least one inch) hail and/or winds of at least 58 MPH. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be affected by lightning-every thunderstorm produces lightning. Lightning can strike up to 10 miles ahead of or following a storm. Thunderstorms can occur by themselves, in clusters, or in lines. The typical thunderstorm is 15 miles in diameter and produces heavy rain for 30 minutes to an hour. The heavy rain associated with thunderstorms can cause flash floods. Their high winds can blow down trees, damage homes and knock out utility poles and wires causing wide spread power outages.

Why Prepare? Thunderstorms occur in most places, year-round and at any hour. That being said, Thunderstorms are VERY common in the spring and summer months throughout New England. Mass.gov sites, 10-30 days of thunderstorms each year. These storms can be extremely destructive and dangerous. This is why it is best to be prepared.

We’ve broken down the following preparedness tips into before, during and after thunderstorms.

Preparing BEFORE Thunderstorms

• Be informed. Learn about your local community’s emergency warning system for severe thunderstorms
• Discuss thunderstorm safety and lightning safety with the members of your household
• Create an emergency plan so that you and your family know what to do, where to go and what you will need to protect yourselves from the effects of a thunderstorm.
• Protect your animals by ensuring that any outside buildings that house them are protected in the same way as your home
• Put together an emergency preparedness kit
• If you have a basement or lower level of your property prone to flooding, buy and install sump pumps with back-up power.
• If you already have a sump pump, check regularly to make sure it is functioning properly.
• Clear clogged rain gutters to allow water to flow away from your home
• Cut down or trim trees that may be in danger of falling on your home.
• Review your insurance policies to see if you have adequate coverage. If you’re not sure you have enough coverage, talk to your agent or company.

Staying Safe DURING Thunderstorms & Severe Weather

• Pay attention to alerts & warnings.
• Watch for signs of a storm, like darkening skies, lightning flashes or increasing wind.
• If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be in danger from lightning. If thunder roars, go indoors!
• Avoid using electronic devices connected to an electrical outlet.
• Avoid running water- Do not take a bath, shower or use plumbing.
• Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are likely to occur.
• If you are outside and cannot reach a safe building, avoid high ground; water; tall, isolated trees; and metal objects. Picnic shelters, dugouts and sheds are NOT safe.
• Do not drive through flooded roadways. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away. Turn Around. Don’t Drown! 

What To Do AFTER the Storm

• Monitor media for updated emergency information and public safety announcements.
• Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately.
• Keep close watch on your animals. Keep them under your direct control.

• Check your home for damage:
• If you believe there is a gas leak, go outdoors immediately, and do not turn electrical switches or appliances on or off.
• If your home or property is damaged, take photos or videos to document your damage, and contact your insurance company.
• If your power is out, report power outage to utility  company.

• Remember “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!” Don’t drive through flooded roads

Who should you call if your property is affected by storms and flooding? SERVPRO Storm Damage Cleanup and Restoration

SERVPRO® of Shrewsbury / Westborough has experience restoring homes affected by storms and flooding. We can respond immediately with highly trained technicians who employ specialized equipment and techniques to restore your home or business back to pre-storm condition.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (508) 393-7898

Resources:

• Red Cross
  https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/thunderstorm.html
  
• Ready.gov
  https://www.ready.gov/thunderstorms-lightning
  
• Mass.gov
  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/thunderstorm-and-lightning-safety-tips

Spring Can Deliver Severe Weather Surprises

4/6/2021 (Permalink)

Spring can deliver severe weather surprises, it's important to plan in advance

Local SERVPRO property damage restoration specialist offers property owners tips about possible hazards and advance planning tools

Spring brings warmer weather, longer days, and a much anticipated break from winter. It also brings a very real threat of severe weather, according to disaster recovery specialist, Donny McKendall of SERVPRO of Worcester/ SERVPRO of Shrewsbury/Westborough. “The frequent change in cold and warm temperatures in spring creates an elevated risk for severe weather across the country,” said McKendall . “Ranging from flooding rain in the Northwest to thunderstorms and tornadoes in the Southeast, spring weather can be unpredictable at best and downright dangerous at worst.”

“When you give some thought to the types of hazards a spring storm could produce, you can begin to plan for the safety of your family as well as your home or business,” said McKendall. Depending on where you live, here are some of the ways a spring storm might damage your home or business:

• Water damage caused by flooding from melting snow, foundation washouts from coastal storms, frozen pipes that burst, sump pumps that fail during power outages, torrential downpours, or faulty air conditioning condensation lines during a heat wave.
• Fire damage caused by use of alternate emergency heat sources, sprinkler systems that fail due to freezing pipes, downed power lines, or environmental conditions leading to structure fires.
• Wind damage caused by fallen trees and limbs, damage to siding and roofs, and downed power lines.

 “Of course, most of these hazards don’t happen in isolation,” said McKendall. “For example, tornadoes and violent thunderstorms put property owners at risk for water, fire, and wind damage. It’s important to understand which hazards might affect your property and your family, and then take the proper steps to prepare.”

McKendall suggests investigating resources available online from the U.S. Government’s “Ready” program at https://www.ready.gov/severe-weather and other free tools, like the SERVPRO READY app at https://ready.SERVPRO.com/home/mobileapp. Home and business owners can use this app to store essential contact and property information electronically, and then access it in seconds with a mobile device. Local business owners who also designate SERVPRO of Worcester/ SERVPRO of Shrewsbury/Westborough as their disaster mitigation and restoration provider gain peace of mind from a no-cost assessment of their facility conducted by SERVPRO professionals, who then assist the owner in completing a comprehensive Emergency READY Profile® (ERP) to be stored in the READY app.

“Because it’s difficult to predict when severe weather will strike – or what form it may take – it’s important to plan in advance,” said McKendall.

No Matter What March Has to Offer, SERVPRO® Has Your Storm Damage Needs Covered.

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

“Like it never even happened,” and we’re just a phone call away, (508) 393-7898

It’s March in New England. The weather can best be described as… unpredictable. We could be in for the ice and snow of a winter storm, the flooding that could come from a quick thaw or the wind and rain spring storms can deliver. No matter what March has to offer, SERVPRO® has your storm damage needs covered.

You’ll Be In Good Hands Every Step of The Way

Sustaining storm damage to your home or commercial business can be a complicated endeavor. Not only is structural damage a possibility, but water and electrical damage could occur as well. Working with the right cleanup and restoration company can make all the difference in your recovery process. As storm repercussions continue to get more severe and complex, knowing you are in good hands every step of the way is invaluable?which is why you count on SERVPRO®.

Ready For Any Size Disaster

SERVPRO has been helping communities recover from disasters, both large and small, for many years and we are proud of the reputation we have built as an industry leader. We have the expandable resources to handle any size disaster. No matter how much of an area is impacted by a water, fire, or storm event, you can count on SERVPRO to help get your property back to its preloss condition. Because we have a national network of franchises, we can call for backup when needed to ensure we can scale our resources with exceptional service.

24/7/365- We’re Here to Answer Your Call

When you are dealing with storm, flood, and water damage, immediate action is crucial. 

We will respond to you quickly anytime day or night, 365 days a year. We understand how devastating it is to discover damage to your property, which is why we guarantee a prompt response no matter when you need us. From the moment we receive your call we begin assembling a team and dispatching them to you as quickly as possible.

SERVPRO® a Trusted Leader in the Water Restoration Industry

When you find yourself faced with storm, flood, and water damage you want the team you can trust. We have with the expertise, resources and equipment to handle the job. Our team of highly-trained professionals will work quickly to get your property back to normal. At SERVPRO we work to make it "Like it never even happened."

It’s Not Luck! It’s Being Prepared.

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

We’re Here to Help if you do find yourself in an unlucky situation, We’ll make it “Like it never even happened." 508-393-7898

This March Ready.gov  is running the “It’s Not Luck” campaign. The campaign uses Saint Patrick’s Day inspired graphics and themes to  remind us all, No one should rely on luck when it comes to being prepared for disasters and emergencies. Don’t leave disaster prep to chance.
We’ll be sharing content and social media posts throughout the month to show our support.

Ready.Gov Suggests These First Steps To Being Prepared:

• Know your risk for the area where you live and work.
• Make a plan to lessen the impact of those risks.
• Build a kit to be ready for disasters and emergencies.

Luckily (See what we did there?)  Ready.gov also shared these great tips:

• Sign up for emergency alerts to receive life-saving information from your state and local municipality. www.ready.gov/alerts
• Let your go kit be your lucky charm. Make a go bag today. www.ready.gov/kit
• An insurance policy really can be your lucky charm. Get financially prepared www.ready.gov/financial-preparedness
• During an extended power outage, ATMs and credit card machines may not work. Don’t rely on luck. Include cash in your emergency supply kit. www.ready.gov/financial-preparedness
• Get prepared by having an emergency supply kit already stored. www.ready.gov/kit 
• Learn how to shut off the utilities at home, including water, electricity, and gas.
• Plan how you will leave and where you will go if you are advised to evacuate.
• Remember your pets in your plans! www.ready.gov/evacuation 
• Snap photos of important documents and save them online or in a secure place you can access during an emergency.
• Set up group text lists so you can communicate with friends and family at the same time during emergencies.
• Have external power sources available to charge phones and other devices in case of a power outage.
• Create a budget that includes an emergency savings fund. www.ready.gov/financial-preparedness

We’re Here to Help if you do find yourself in an unlucky situation, We’ll make it “Like it never even happened,” and we’re just a phone call away, 508-393-7898.

ARE YOU WINTER WEATHER READY?

12/8/2020 (Permalink)

When winter weather strike, SERVPRO of Shrewsbury/Westborough Strikes back!

Are you prepared for the upcoming cold weather? Cold weather can have a huge impact on your home or business if you are not ready for it. From heavy rain and freezing temperatures to damaging winds, sleet, or snow, all can cause serious and costly property damage. While you cannot control the weather, you can take steps to be prepared and help take the sting out of winter weather. To help prevent costly damages due to weather, consider taking the following precautions to protect your property before colder weather hits.

• Check your business property for downed tree limbs and branches. Wind, heavy rain, ice, and snow can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries.
  
  
• Roofs, water pipes, and gutters should all be inspected to help ensure they are in proper order. Gutter downspouts should be directed away from your building. Clear gutters of debris that may have gathered during the fall. Leaves and other obstructions can cause a damming effect, which can lead to roof damage and interior water problems.

• Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate a potential flood hazard. 
  
  
• Inspect all handrails, stairwells, and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present.

• Protect water pipes from freezing by simply allowing water to drip when temperatures dip below freezing. If pipes are under a cabinet, leave the cabinet doors open, allowing warm inside air to circulate around the pipes. If the building has outdoor faucets, consider shutting water off at the main valve in the basement or crawl space. Once the valve is off, open the outdoor faucet to ensure it drains, preventing any remaining water from freezing in the pipe.

• Ask your local SERVPRO® franchise professionals about completing an Emergency READY Profile® (ERP) for your business. The ERP is a no cost assessment of your facility and provides you with a plan to get back in business faster following a disaster. Preparation is the key to making it through any size disaster, whether it is a small water leak, a large fire, or an area flood. The best time to plan for such events is not when the event happens, but well beforehand. No one ever plans on a disaster, but now, you can plan and prepare for it.

When winter weather strikes, SERVPRO of Shrewsbury/Westborough Strikes back! We’ll make it “Like it never even happened,” and we’re just a phone call away, 508-393-7898.

DO YOU KNOW HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A THUNDERSTORM THREATENS?

8/18/2020 (Permalink)

According to ready.gov “Lightning is a leading cause of injury and death from weather-related hazards. Although most lightning victims survive, people struck by lightning often report a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms”.

Thunderstorms can include winds reaching over 50MPH, create hail, cause flash flooding and in some cases even tornadoes. Do you know how to keep you and your family safe before, during and after a thunderstorm?

FEMA Suggests the Following Tips:

Prepare – these are things you can do BEFORE the storm arrives

• Know your area’s risk for thunderstorms. In most places, they can occur year-round and at any hour.
• Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
• Identify nearby, sturdy buildings close to where you live, work, study, and play.
• Cut down or trim trees that may be in danger of falling on your home.
• Consider buying surge protectors, lightning rods, or a lightning protection system to protect your home, appliances, and electronic devices.

Survive- These are the things to do DURNING the storm

• When thunder roars, go indoors. A sturdy building is the safest place to be during a thunderstorm.
• Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of thunderstorms. Be ready to change plans, if necessary, to be near shelter.
• When you receive a thunderstorm warning or hear thunder, go inside immediately.
• If indoors, avoid running water or using landline phones. Electricity can travel through plumbing and phone lines.
• Protect your property. Unplug appliances and other electric devices. Secure outside furniture.
• If boating or swimming, get to land and find a sturdy, grounded shelter or vehicle immediately.
• If necessary, take shelter in a car with a metal top and sides. Do not touch anything metal.
• Avoid flooded roadways. Turn Around. Don’t Drown! Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.

Be Safe- here are the things to be mindful of after the storm passes.

• Listen to authorities and weather forecasts for information on whether it is safe to go outside and instructions regarding potential flash flooding.
• Watch for fallen power lines and trees. Report them immediately.

For more information on recovering from water damage caused by weather-related disasters, contact SERVPRO® of Shrewsbury/Westborough today. We’re Here to Help 24/7 – (508) 393-7898

Associated Content

• Thunderstorms Information Sheet (PDF)
• NOAA Watch (Link)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Lightning (Link)
• American Red Cross (Link)

You Can’t Know When a Disaster WIll Happen But You Can Be Prepared.

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

Storms, floods, fires, the unknown- you can’t know when disaster will strike but you can be prepared. Ready.gov suggest having a plan and a disaster supply kit.

A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.

Ready.Gov Suggest the Following Steps for Preparing Your Kit:

Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with the items on the checklist below. Most of the items are inexpensive and easy to find and any one of them could save your life. Headed to the store? Download a printable version to take with you. Once you take a look at the basic items consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets or seniors.

Basic Disaster Kit

To assemble your kit store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
• Manual can opener (for food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
• Download the Recommended Supplies List (PDF)

Since Spring of 2020, the CDC has recommended people include additional items in their kits to help prevent the spread of coronavirus or other viruses and the flu.

• Cloth face coverings (for everyone ages 2 and above), soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces

Additional Emergency Supplies To Consider

Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:

• Prescription medications
• Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
• Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
• Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Cash or traveler's checks
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
• Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
• Fire extinguisher
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

For More Details and information Visit: https://www.ready.gov

Hurricane Season has Begun, Know About “HURRICANE HAZARDS”

8/4/2020 (Permalink)

Hurricane season has already begun and several named storms have developed in the Atlantic, Caribbean or Gulf of Mexico. For the Atlantic, the season begins June 1 and runs through November 30. On average, there are 12 tropical storms that develop, with an average of six becoming hurricanes, according to the National Weather Service.

Hurricanes can be life-threatening as well as cause serious property damage. The National Weather Service lists the following as potential “hurricane hazards.”

Storm surge is the abnormal rise of water generated by a storm’s winds. This hazard is historically the leading cause of hurricane related deaths in the United States. Storm surge and large battering waves can result in large loss of life and cause massive destruction along the coast. Storm surge can travel several miles inland, especially along bays, rivers and estuaries.

Flooding from heavy rains is the second leading cause of fatalities from landfalling tropical cyclones. Widespread torrential rains associated with these storms often cause flooding hundreds of miles inland. This flooding can persist for several days after a storm has dissipated.

Winds from a hurricane can destroy buildings and manufactured homes. Signs, roofing material and other items left outside can become flying missiles during hurricanes.

Tornadoes can accompany landfalling tropical cyclones. These tornadoes typically occur in rain bands well away from the center of the storm.

Dangerous waves produced by a tropical cyclone’s strong winds can pose a significant hazard to coastal residents and mariners. These waves can cause deadly rip currents, significant beach erosion and damage to structures along the coastline, even when the storm is more than a 1,000 miles offshore.

Preparation is the best protection against the dangers of a hurricane. Plan an evacuation route and your emergency plan, take inventory of your property and take steps to protect your home or business.

For Hurricane Safety Tips section of MEMA’s website at https://www.mass.gov/service-details/hurricane-safety-tips.

For more information on recovering from water damage caused by weather-related disasters, contact SERVPRO® of Shrewsbury/Westborough today.
We’re Here to Help 24/7 – 508-393-7898

Are You Ready? 8 Hurricane Preparedness Tips

8/4/2020 (Permalink)

Hurricanes are massive storm systems that form over warm ocean waters and move toward land. They can happen along any U.S. coast or territory in the Atlantic or Pacific. Threats from hurricanes include: powerful winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, coastal and inland flooding, rip currents, tornadoes, and landslides. The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30.

Are You Ready? Here Are 8 Hurricane Preparedness Tips

1. Make an Emergency Plan
   Make sure everyone in your household knows and understands your hurricane plan. Discuss the latest Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance on Coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it may affect your hurricane planning.
2. Gather Supplies
   Make sure your household is well stocked with supplies. Include medication, disinfectant supplies, cloth face coverings, pet supplies.
3. Be Ready to Evacuate
   You may have to evacuate quickly due to a hurricane. Learn your evacuation routes, practice with household, pets, and identify where you will stay. 
4. Make Sure Your Insurance is Up to Date
   Make sure your insurance policies and personal documents like ID are up to date. Make copies and keep them in a secure password protected digital space.
5. Prepare Your Home
   Declutter drains and gutters, bring in outside furniture, consider hurricane shutters.
6. Get Tech Ready Keep your cell phone charged when you know a hurricane is in the forecast and purchase backup charging devices to power electronics.
7. Be A Good Neighbor Check with neighbors, senior adults, or those who may need additional help securing hurricane plans to see how you can be of assistance to others
8. Prepare your Business Make sure your business has a continuity plan to continue operating when disaster strikes.
   
   Once you have an emergency contingency plan in place. Think about a plan to get back you’re your buildings following a disaster. By developing a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business. SERVPRO^® is a leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your property back in working order.
   Ready to Get Started? Call for a No Cost Assessment. 508-393-7898

Additional Hurricane Preparedness Information:

• https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/fema_how-to-prepare-for-hurricane.pdf
• https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/hazards.php
• https://www.weather.gov/wrn/hurricane-preparedness
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umolcYUCuow&feature=youtu.be

Source Material

• https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes

Prepare & Take Precautions MA Hurricane Preparedness Week 2020

7/16/2020 (Permalink)

“Governor Charlie Baker has proclaimed July 12 - 18, 2020, to be Hurricane Preparedness Week in an effort to emphasize both the Commonwealth’s potential vulnerability to tropical storms and hurricanes, and the importance of preparing for their impacts. “

MA Residents and visitors are encouraged to use this week to prepare for hurricanes, tropical storms and other emergencies.

This week serves reminder of the Commonwealth’s potential vulnerability to tropical storms and hurricanes, the importance of preparing for their impact. This includes taking necessary precautions during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

MEMA advises residents to take some simple steps to prepare for a potential weather emergency.

1. Make an emergency plan that takes in account how your family would communicate, evacuate and shelter in place. Ensure the needs of all family members, including seniors, children, those with special needs and pets are accounted for. See details on how to make a family emergency plan.
2. Build or customize an emergency kit that will sustain your household for three to five days without power. Make sure it includes face coverings or masks, disinfectants, hand sanitizer and other cleaning supplies that you may need in an emergency. See more about building an emergency kit.
3. Stay informed by having multiple methods for receiving emergency alerts. See more about emergency alerts.
4. Know your evacuation zone and learn in you live or work in a hurricane or evacuation zone. 

For Source Material and Further Details Visit:

https://www.mass.gov/news/hurricane-preparedness-week-reminds-residents-to-prepare-take-precautions

For more information, visit the Hurricane Safety Tips section of MEMA’s website at https://www.mass.gov/service-details/hurricane-safety-tips.

Is Your Home Ready For The Next Big Storm?

4/20/2020 (Permalink)

Here are Five Tips to help prepare your home and reduce the potential for damage caused by severe storms.

TIP ONE: Regularly Clean your gutters, down pipes and drains to prevent blockages

Always remember to keep your gutters and down pipes clear. Blockage can cause water to overflow under the eaves, leading to water damage. Clear leaves and debris from your roof as these will make their way into the gutters in heavy rain. Keep the drains around your property clear. This helps surface water move away and prevents water from pooling and entering your property.

TIP TWO: Check & Maintain Your Roof.

Your roof should be checked every year and after major events. Look for signs of damage. Fix any cracked, broken or displaced tiles. Buildup of dirt should be removed to prevent blocking the drainage channels on the underside of tiles. Damaged roof sheeting may need to be patched or replaced. Don’t forget to check inside your roof space. Light shining through may indicate that your roof is damaged.

*Working on a roof can be dangerous so we recommend you contact an expert tradesperson if you need help  to check or maintain your roof.

TIP THREE: Clean & tend your yard and balcony. Make sure, to secure or store items that could be blown away in strong winds

Strong winds can pick up even large items such as outdoor furniture, trampolines and roofing iron causing damage to windows, roofs and cars. Try to keep items around your property tidy. When there is severe weather in the forecast, you may need to secure or put away things away.

TIP FOUR: Trim trees and branches that could fall on your home or property.

Remember to park your car away from trees if severe weather is predicted.

When planting trees and shrubs, consider the mature size of the tree and use this to guide the planting location.

*We suggest working with an expert tradesperson- contact a qualified and insured arborist or tree surgeon when necessary, speak with a trusted nursery or garden center for guidance on plant selection and planting techniques.

TIP FIVE: Check your insurance policy, be sure it current and adequate.

Make sure that your insurance policy provides coverage for the types of events specific to your location, these may include: storm water runoff, flash floods and damage to properties by trees (to name a few). What type of coverage do you have? Building insurance, contents insurance – what do you have, what do you need? Also, consider what level of coverage are you are insured for, is it enough to recover from major damage?

If your home does suffer storm damage, SERVPRO of Shrewsbury/Westborough is HERE TO HELP.

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Shrewsbury/Westborough arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service?
Call Us 24/7 – 508-393-7898

When Storms or Floods hit Westborough SERVPRO is ready!

3/24/2020 (Permalink)

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in Westborough

SERVPRO ofShrewsbury/ Westborough specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Westborough we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 508-393-7898

SERVPRO of Shrewsbury/ Westborough the solution to your winter weather worries.

2/3/2020 (Permalink)

Winter weather and storms can bring about more issues than just slippery roads, snow days and a sidewalk to shovel. If you live where temperatures sink below freezing, you are also at risk for frozen pipes, ice dams and puffbacks- all of which can create major disasters in your home or property. 

Tips for Preparing Your Home for Winter Weather

• Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells. This allows warm air to circulate around pipes.
• Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets, especially if the pipes for the faucets run through unheated or uninsulated areas of your home.
• Consider shutting off outdoor faucets. Find the shut-off valve in the basement or crawl space and tun it to “off”.
• Ensure gutters are clean and secure. Leaves and debris accumulate, causing damming in gutters, which could lead to roof problems and water damage.
• Proper maintenance of your furnace can help reduce the risk of puffbacks.

When winter weather strike, SERVPRO of Shrewsbury/ Westborough Strikes back! We’ll make it “Like it never even happened,” and we’re just a phone call away, 508-393-7898.

Shrewsbury Homes can Suffer Flood Damage by Several Means

8/12/2019 (Permalink)

Our Technicians Arrive Quickly, Equipped to Get the Storm Damage Under Control

Flooding in a home can bring up visions of invading water from nearby streams and lakes, but additional origins exist other than overflowing bodies of water. SERVPRO technicians have the knowledge and training to restore residences impacted by any flooding situation. 
 
Shrewsbury homes with flood damage need to be repaired as soon as possible after the event. Experience has repeatedly proven that time is against homeowners in regards to damages a house suffers, and this is why we are always Faster To Any Size Disaster. 
 
Trees are notorious for creating large openings in the roof they land on, allowing rainwater to enter. Residents who believe the weather is likely to remain constant might leave windows open for airflow and the nice breeze expected. When torrential rainfall mixes with heavy, powerful winds, large amounts of water can be blown in through those windows, creating a highly surprising homecoming. 
 
When we encounter a tree which has broken through a roof, we know that rainfall saturates into every material it encounters as gravity pulls it down. During its downward path, absorbent materials can become saturated and then retain this moisture for extended periods. Secondary water damage such as mold and water stains can result if the current situation is not evaluated and mitigated correctly. Tarping the area to ensure that no further unwanted rain, pests, or vermin can enter is carried out immediately after removal of the tree. 
 
Windows can suffer damage internally when left open during a storm. As the rain comes in, instead of being repelled by the exterior window frame, it splashes over, creating the potential for rust, warping, and sagging to develop. Until correct repair of this situation happens, your home's security is less than it should be, plus rain can continue to create additional damage. 
 
Standing water must also be removed quickly, so extraction tools and equipment are necessary. Additional procedures follow the extraction of water by portable, handheld equipment, including heat, increased circulation of the air, and dehumidification. Odor management also follows, because water, no matter how clean, often produces unpleasant scents that can seem to linger on for months without proper treatment. 
 
Our technicians are provided with extensive training, resulting in the awarding of IICRC certificates. Experience in both large and small jobs provide the hands-on experiences needed to build the skills that make us equally proud and competent. All materials, both building and those that comprise the personal belongings your family treasures, can be handled expertly by our technicians as they restore your home. 
 
Call us, the experienced and caring technicians from SERVPRO of Shrewsbury / Westborough at (508) 757-7885. We are ready to answer your call no matter when you call us. 

For more information regarding Shrewsbury, click here

Flood Damage from Storms and Failures Cause Stress. Call The Experts at SERVPRO!

7/29/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Works Fast to Remove Storm Water to Preserve the Integrity of Your Property

The word flood causes people to think of thunderstorms and bursting levees. Most of the restoration costs come from smaller water sources, however. 

Much of the flood damage that SERVPRO finds within and nearly everywhere else results from failing plumbing and broken appliances. In winter months, poorly insulated pipes can freeze and burst, flooding basements, attics and other areas of the home.

Year-round, lines get blocked and rupture, old plumbing corrodes and fails as do clothing and dishwashers. While all this may seem like a small amount, a burst water pipe can send 160 gallons across a kitchen floor per hour. If this happens when a family is out for the weekend, they can come back to find over 5,700 gallons (36 hours) has flooded their entire home. Typically, this is clean water, which is not the case with intruding ground water from a storm.

To put things right; our response team starts with two tasks: an inspection to determine the extent of the flooding while technicians set up the first pump to begin removing the flood water. A quick check with a tape measure tells us the depth; if it is over two inches, we start a commercial grade pump to drain the water.

As this happens, a team inspector checks the other areas of the house to see how much water is present and if there is ancillary damage such as water in the electrical outlets. It is not a regular occurrence, but it can happen in basements or split-level homes. More common are flooded carpets, walls, ceilings, and floors with possible damage to other structural property. 

Once we finish with the pumps, the next steps are to remove water trapped in the carpets and floors and to dry or replace damaged drywall. We use extractor wands to draw water out of carpets and wood floors without damaging the nape or surface. In most cases, we throw out the carpet pad, as it is too expensive to dry out something that cheaply can be replaced. Once again, if surging water from the exterior transported debris, the contaminated padding must be tossed.

To prevent removing drywall, we try to dry it in place if it is not too soaked. SERVPRO IICRC trained technicians set up dehumidifiers to remove moisture from the air, install exhaust fans to pull damp air out of the affected rooms, and place air movers along the affected panels to force heated, dry air across the surfaces to carefully lower the moisture content. We may also drill small holes into the baseboard area and close to the ceiling joints to increase air flow and the rate of evaporation. This further mitigates the loss.

These are just a few of the actions we take to return your home to its normal, pre-flood state, "Like it never even happened." If you need our help to dry out your home and property, call SERVPRO of Shrewsbury / Westborough today at (508) 393-7898. We are here and ready for you.

Don't Let Local Storm Damage from Storms Winds and Rains Put You Out.

7/26/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Works Fast to Remove Storm Water to Preserve the Integrity of Your Property

The word flood causes people to think of thunderstorms and bursting levees. Most of the restoration costs come from smaller water sources, however. 

Much of the flood damage that SERVPRO finds within and nearly everywhere else results from failing plumbing and broken appliances. In winter months, poorly insulated pipes can freeze and burst, flooding basements, attics and other areas of the home.

Year-round, lines get blocked and rupture, old plumbing corrodes and fails as do clothing and dishwashers. While all this may seem like a small amount, a burst water pipe can send 160 gallons across a kitchen floor per hour. If this happens when a family is out for the weekend, they can come back to find over 5,700 gallons (36 hours) has flooded their entire home. Typically, this is clean water, which is not the case with intruding ground water from a storm.

To put things right; our response team starts with two tasks: an inspection to determine the extent of the flooding while technicians set up the first pump to begin removing the flood water. A quick check with a tape measure tells us the depth; if it is over two inches, we start a commercial grade pump to drain the water.

As this happens, a team inspector checks the other areas of the house to see how much water is present and if there is ancillary damage such as water in the electrical outlets. It is not a regular occurrence, but it can happen in basements or split-level homes. More common are flooded carpets, walls, ceilings, and floors with possible damage to other structural property. 

Once we finish with the pumps, the next steps are to remove water trapped in the carpets and floors and to dry or replace damaged drywall. We use extractor wands to draw water out of carpets and wood floors without damaging the nape or surface. In most cases, we throw out the carpet pad, as it is too expensive to dry out something that cheaply can be replaced. Once again, if surging water from the exterior transported debris, the contaminated padding must be tossed.

To prevent removing drywall, we try to dry it in place if it is not too soaked. SERVPRO IICRC trained technicians set up dehumidifiers to remove moisture from the air, install exhaust fans to pull damp air out of the affected rooms, and place air movers along the affected panels to force heated, dry air across the surfaces to carefully lower the moisture content. We may also drill small holes into the baseboard area and close to the ceiling joints to increase air flow and the rate of evaporation. This further mitigates the loss.

These are just a few of the actions we take to return your home to its normal, pre-flood state, "Like it never even happened." If you need our help to dry out your home and property, call SERVPRO of Shrewsbury / Westborough today at (508) 393-7898. We are here and ready for you.

Prepare Yourself for Flood Season!

4/10/2019 (Permalink)

Flood in Shrewsbury home.

When your Shrewsbury home has water damage from flooding or leaks, SERVPRO of Shrewsbury/Westborough has the expertise and equipment to properly restore your property.

The water removal and water cleanup process is completed step by step by our highly trained technicians. The entire drying process is documented to meet SERVPRO’s high standards and yours. In the end, the documentation validates that your property has been thoroughly dried.

At SERVPRO we strive for excellence in our work and customer service.

The following steps ensure our service.

• Step 1 –Establish the emergency contact
• Step 2 – Inspection and Water Damage Assessment
• Step 3 – Water Removal / Water Extraction
• Step 4 – Drying and Dehumidification
• Step 5 – Cleaning and Sanitizing
• Step 6 – Restoration

SERVPRO of Shrewsbury/Westborough will restore your home or business to pre-water damage condition. At SERVPRO of Shrewsbury/Westborough we can also help with repairs and rebuild.

Learn more about Water Damage Restoration Process.

Water or Flood Damage? Call Today- 508-393-7898

Are You Prepared?

3/20/2019 (Permalink)

Westborough isn't known for encountering a lot of storms, but when we do, SERVPRO of Shrewsbury/Westborough wants you to be prepared.

Being ready is the key to staying safe from the elements. The tips listed below will help you be ready for whatever mother nature sends our way.

• Check your local weather for storm updates
• Have flashlights handy and plenty of batteries
• Keep your cell phone well charged
• Stay away from glass doors and windows, strong winds can shatter glass
• Store anything that may blow away
• Have plenty of bottled water and dry food on hand
• Keeping trees and shrubs trimmed will make them less wind resistant
• Avoid showering or taking a bath during a storm
• Avoid using electricity

SERVPRO of Shrewsbury/Westborough has the Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Westborough, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams  that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 508-393-7898

Hazardous Waste Filled Flood Damage During Seasonal Downpours in Grafton

2/5/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Remediates Flooding in Your Home That Stems From Many Sources

More often today in the news all over the country we read reports of “once in a century” rainfalls and catastrophic flash floods. Our area is no exception to this phenomenon, and residents find themselves coping with unexpected quantities of water in basements and lower levels. The answer to the crisis of flash flooding in Grafton is a reliable and experienced water removal and remediation company. 
 
The late summer into fall defines the hurricane season on the east coast, including storms inland around Grafton that bring torrential rains and flood damage. The highly developed central Massachusetts area struggles with adequate drainage when many inches of rain fall in a short time. Local sewer systems are unable to handle the vast amount of water runoff, causing residents to find excess water inside their homes. We monitor the potential for flooding in our community and are ready to answer with constructive action fast when you call. 
 
A serious problem arises if sewage backs up into your home, a consequence to the glut of water racing across pavements and into the city’s drainage system. SERVPRO and our technicians are certified to respond to and appropriately manage the dirty water rising in the depths of your home. Standing water inside your home is categorized from clean to slightly contaminated, or gray, all the way to severely compromised, or black. When sewage pushes back into your home, the water must be considered black, potentially containing bloodborne pathogens, dangerous chemicals, and other hazardous materials including dead animals and human urine and feces. 
 
SERVPRO technicians receive advanced training in the safe collection and disposal of gray and black water. Clad in personal protective gear, our crews use powerful pumping and extraction equipment to remove the dirty mix of rainwater and sewage, contain it, and dispose of it properly. 
 
Care must be taken after the majority of the tainted water is gone to sanitize the flooded area and then dry it thoroughly. If personal belongings, carpeting, or furnishings were soaked with the toxic moisture, SERVPRO employees help you determine what can withstand effective antimicrobial treatments and what must be discarded because of the risk of harm to health or safety. 
 
Flash flood damage can be overwhelming. SERVPRO of Shrewsbury / Westborough can help sort through your options and provide high-quality remediation services. Our staff awaits your call at (508)757-7885. 
 
For more information regarding Grafton, click here

Flood Damage can Happen to Homes in Shrewsbury by Several Means

8/9/2018 (Permalink)

Our Technicians Arrive Quickly, Equipped to Get the Storm Damage Under Control

Flooding in a home can bring up visions of invading water from nearby streams and lakes, but additional origins exist other than overflowing bodies of water. SERVPRO technicians have the knowledge and training to restore residences impacted by any flooding situation. 
 
Shrewsbury homes with flood damage need to be repaired as soon as possible after the event. Experience has repeatedly proven that time is against homeowners in regards to damages a house suffers, and this is why we are always Faster To Any Size Disaster. 
 
Trees are notorious for creating large openings in the roof they land on, allowing rainwater to enter. Residents who believe the weather is likely to remain constant might leave windows open for airflow and the nice breeze expected. When torrential rainfall mixes with heavy, powerful winds, large amounts of water can be blown in through those windows, creating a highly surprising homecoming. 
 
When we encounter a tree which has broken through a roof, we know that rainfall saturates into every material it encounters as gravity pulls it down. During its downward path, absorbent materials can become saturated and then retain this moisture for extended periods. Secondary water damage such as mold and water stains can result if the current situation is not evaluated and mitigated correctly. Tarping the area to ensure that no further unwanted rain, pests, or vermin can enter is carried out immediately after removal of the tree. 
 
Windows can suffer damage internally when left open during a storm. As the rain comes in, instead of being repelled by the exterior window frame, it splashes over, creating the potential for rust, warping, and sagging to develop. Until correct repair of this situation happens, your home's security is less than it should be, plus rain can continue to create additional damage. 
 
Standing water must also be removed quickly, so extraction tools and equipment are necessary. Additional procedures follow the extraction of water by portable, handheld equipment, including heat, increased circulation of the air, and dehumidification. Odor management also follows, because water, no matter how clean, often produces unpleasant scents that can seem to linger on for months without proper treatment. 
 
Our technicians are provided with extensive training, resulting in the awarding of IICRC certificates. Experience in both large and small jobs provide the hands-on experiences needed to build the skills that make us equally proud and competent. All materials, both building and those that comprise the personal belongings your family treasures, can be handled expertly by our technicians as they restore your home. 
 
Call us, the experienced and caring technicians from SERVPRO of Shrewsbury / Westborough at (508) 757-7885. We are ready to answer your call no matter when you call us. 

For more information regarding Shrewsbury, click here

Don't Let Local Flood Damage from Storms and Failures Cause Stress

7/5/2018 (Permalink)

Don't let water stress you out! Call SERVPRO at (508) 393-7898

SERVPRO Works Fast to Remove Storm Water to Preserve the Integrity of Your Property

The word flood causes people to think of thunderstorms and bursting levees. Most of the restoration costs come from smaller water sources, however. 

Much of the flood damage that SERVPRO finds within and nearly everywhere else results from failing plumbing and broken appliances. In winter months, poorly insulated pipes can freeze and burst, flooding basements, attics and other areas of the home.

Year-round, lines get blocked and rupture, old plumbing corrodes and fails as do clothing and dishwashers. While all this may seem like a small amount, a burst water pipe can send 160 gallons across a kitchen floor per hour. If this happens when a family is out for the weekend, they can come back to find over 5,700 gallons (36 hours) has flooded their entire home. Typically, this is clean water, which is not the case with intruding ground water from a storm.

To put things right; our response team starts with two tasks: an inspection to determine the extent of the flooding while technicians set up the first pump to begin removing the flood water. A quick check with a tape measure tells us the depth; if it is over two inches, we start a commercial grade pump to drain the water.

As this happens, a team inspector checks the other areas of the house to see how much water is present and if there is ancillary damage such as water in the electrical outlets. It is not a regular occurrence, but it can happen in basements or split-level homes. More common are flooded carpets, walls, ceilings, and floors with possible damage to other structural property. 

Once we finish with the pumps, the next steps are to remove water trapped in the carpets and floors and to dry or replace damaged drywall. We use extractor wands to draw water out of carpets and wood floors without damaging the nape or surface. In most cases, we throw out the carpet pad, as it is too expensive to dry out something that cheaply can be replaced. Once again, if surging water from the exterior transported debris, the contaminated padding must be tossed.

To prevent removing drywall, we try to dry it in place if it is not too soaked. SERVPRO IICRC trained technicians set up dehumidifiers to remove moisture from the air, install exhaust fans to pull damp air out of the affected rooms, and place air movers along the affected panels to force heated, dry air across the surfaces to carefully lower the moisture content. We may also drill small holes into the baseboard area and close to the ceiling joints to increase air flow and the rate of evaporation. This further mitigates the loss.

These are just a few of the actions we take to return your home to its normal, pre-flood state, "Like it never even happened." If you need our help to dry out your home and property, call SERVPRO of Shrewsbury / Westborough today at (508) 393-7898. We are here and ready for you.

Flood Damage In Grafton. What Is The Solution?

6/13/2018 (Permalink)

Too Much Water? Call SERVPRO to Resolve Damage from Flooding

Flooding on your property creates a unique situation for restoration technicians each and every time. Technicians often complete jobs in very different ways, even though providing you with a safe, clean environment remains as an ending goal. 
 
If your Grafton area home receives flood damage after a common household accident involving a broken appliance, sewage line, drainage problems, broken fixtures, or even a natural disaster, each of these situations requires special attention and certified professionals to get the job done right. 
 
You need someone, like SERVPRO that follows specific health and safety protocols set by the EPA and OSHA while communicating issues to your insurance company and providing you with the services necessary for getting everything back to normal as quickly and efficiently as possible. 
 
After SERVPRO technicians locate and repair the water source causing the issue, we direct our attention to utilizing the latest water extraction equipment available in our industry. Tools such as hand-held and truck mounted water extractors make it possible to remove water from areas of all shapes and sizes. With submersible pumps used for areas where water exceeds two inches in depth. 
 
We remove as much water as possible, making the entire drying process, using air movers and dehumidifiers even faster. SERVPRO removes any saturated materials that are beyond restoration and communicate any losses to all parties concerned throughout the entire process. 
 
Your situation may call for some repairs, where technicians find it necessary to enter walls, under cabinetry, and other hard to reach areas where water can hide. SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians manage the entire situation, making it possible for you to avoid spending hours on the phone scheduling different contractors or specialists adding to the stress of the situation. 
 
As each stage of your restoration finishes, cleaning and deodorization technicians make their way through to ensure your home returns to a quality pre-damage condition. Locating a recovery company you trust gives you access to technicians who care about your situation and provide you with solutions you can count on to recover quickly. 
 
Give SERVPRO of Shrewsbery / Westborough a call when water makes its way into your home, obtain the services you deserve and get the information you need to come out on top. (508) 757-7885. We are always ready!

How To Avoid the Danger Zones after Flood Damage in Northborough Homes

6/13/2018 (Permalink)

Safety is Key after Storm Damage

Every year, hundreds of Northborough homes are hit by flood damage. It might be caused by a particularly heavy storm or by a preventable incident like a leak in the roof. Either way, it can be disastrous if not handled correctly. At SERVPRO, our top priority is carrying out repairs fast, so that we can get your property back to a livable condition. 

However, there are often dangers associated with flood damage in Northborough homes. When electrics and water mix, for example, affected areas become hazards and special measures are needed to neutralize them. This is why flood damage restoration should only be carried out by professionals. 

The SERVPRO mobile app is a great way to make sure you can always get in touch our team of technicians, no matter what your emergency or when you need them. This guide to danger hotspots, after a flood, will give you some information on how to safe until they arrive. 

Fireplace 

Whether your home has an electric fireplace or a full furnace, be cautious around it if flood water has intruded into the room. Generally, you only need to worry if the flooding is severe. Water and electrical components may mix and make the area dangerous. 

Alternatively, in the case of open fires, storm damage could clog the chimney and force carbon monoxide into the room. If you are not sure whether a chimney has been compromised, leave the room until the SERVPRO technicians arrive on site. 

HVAC System 

Extensive flood damage can also wreak havoc with HVAC units. We strongly recommend that you allow our team to inspect the system for faults. The burner units, gas connections, wiring, and fans all need to be checked for hazards. Damaged electrical wiring can very easily start fires and cause even more damage. At the very least, your HVAC unit must be fully dried out before you can use it again. SERVPRO Of Shrewsbury/Westborough is NADCA Certified. 

The Fridge 

If you have had to leave your home, due to flood warnings, don’t tamper with the fridge when you return. Gray and black water contains bacteria and has the potential to contaminate food items. It may also spread toxic substances to walls, floors, and ceilings. Professional restoration experts are trained to deal with hazardous water classifications, and they can remove it while wearing protective clothing. If asked to stay outside the affected area, for your own safety, it is important that you do so. 

As already mentioned, we have developed an innovative mobile app, which allows homeowners to get in touch with emergency repair teams at the click of a button. This means that SERVPRO of Shrewsbury/Westborough can now arrive onsite and start restoration work even faster. Download the app or call us 24/7 at (508)757-7885.

Crawlspaces can Harbor Microbes after Flood Damage has Affected Your Grafton Home

6/12/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Technicians Thoroughly Dry Your Property after Damage

Water from flooding can continue to cause problems if all areas of your home are not returned to a dry condition. Often overlooked, or considered unimportant, SERVPRO knows that the crawlspace area is a potential area that often is the source of mold growths, bacterial colonies, and other possible risks. 

Grafton homes that have existing or past flood damage should have any crawlspaces examined for signs of problems. These areas are often used to house water pipes, gas lines, and heating and cooling system vents.

Increased moisture can cause accelerated rusting of metal pipes and vents. If microbes such as mold are present in the crawlspace, air intake of your ventilation system can also bring them into your living space. Other pathogens such as viruses and bacteria can travel the same way. 

SERVPRO technicians certified by the IICRC in ASD, or Applied Structural Drying, can install the necessary dehumidifiers, air blowers, and heaters, even in smaller crawlspaces, to rapidly reduce the amount of humidity. We do this work in addition to the typical flood damage restoration carried out after flood damage exists. Without it, our job would not be complete. 

Because crawlspaces are the lowest part of your home, excluding any basement or cellar areas, and they are also located on the exterior part of your home, flood damage on the crawlspace's interior can be extensive. Smaller animals, sewage, fluids from vehicles, and garbage are often washed in by the flood and then left behind, trapped by the walls. We remove this debris when we find it, so your crawlspace is once again as it should be, dry, and also clean. 

To keep it dry and less likely to allow mold and bacteria to grow, we can install a dehumidifier, lay down plastic protective sheeting to keep humidity from seeping up from the ground, and paint a mold inhibitor on the crawlspace's interior. 

We at SERVPRO of Shrewsbury / Westborough are always ready to bring your home back to how it should be after a flood or any other disaster. We can be reached any day of the week, day or night, by calling (508) 757-7885.